Bruce Springsteen Thanks Gov. Christie, Pays Tribute To Native Jersey
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) —New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen says his home state will rebound from the devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy.
During a stop at the Jordan Center on the Penn State campus Thursday, Springsteen also thanked New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for "doing a fine job" of taking care of citizens. He lauded police, firefighters and other first responders.
Springsteen will join Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel and more superstars with ties to the Tri-State at a benefit concert Friday for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The headlining performers are native to the areas hardest hit.
Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi are from New Jersey and Billy Joel is from Long Island. The event will be hosted by "Today" show co-host Matt Lauer.
Other performers include Christina Aguilera, Sting and Jimmy Fallon. Mary J. Blige was a late B addition to the guest list. Actor James Gandolfini and comic Jon Stewart, who are both heavily identified with New Jersey, will also participate.
The telecast will benefit the American Red Cross.
More: Red Cross Opens 3 Mobile Meals Distribution Centers In Suffolk County
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers. There is a possibility that more shelters will have to be open to accommodate folks who were forced to evacuate. The Red Cross says now is the time to volunteer. To do so, an individual must be:
- Over the age of 16
- Available for 12 hour shift from Wednesday, Oct. 31 to Friday, Nov. 2.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Comfortable working with people in stressful situations
For a guide on how to recover after a disaster, click here.
Search for open shelters by texting: SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). Ex: Shelter 01234 (std rates apply) or click here.
For more from the Red Cross or to donate, visit www.redcross.org.
For local Red Cross chapters, see below:
New York
New Jersey
- American Red Cross of Camden and Burlington Counties
- American Red Cross of Central New Jersey
- American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey
- Jersey Coast Chapter
- New Jersey Crossroads
- Southern Shore Chapter
- South Jersey Chapter
Connecticut
The concert will be shown on NBC and its cable stations including Bravo, CNBC, USA, MSNBC and E! Other networks are invited to join in.
"Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together" will air at 8 p.m. EDT and will be taped-delayed in the West.
The telethon will be broadcast from NBC facilities in Rockefeller Center in New York City.
